Jerusalem’s Chareidi/Ultra-Orthodox community in Har Nof are arranging buses to the funeral of hero Druze police officer Zidan Saif — who was killed in the line of duty yesterday while engaged in a gun battle with the Arab terrorists at the Har Nof shul.
A grassroots initiative of hundreds of Chareidim from Har Nof is underway to attend the funeral of Zidan Saif and to pay their respects to the fallen policeman and to the Druze community in the village of Yanuch-Jat in Northern Israel.
Upon publication of the initiative, many have come forward to help — including retired IDF officer, Erez Eshel, who was so impressed with the idea and unity behind it, that he offered to fund as many buses as necessary.
Saif’s funeral is scheduled for 2PM today in his village.
A quote from the late Chief Rabbi, Rav Ovadia Yosef’s Jewish law question and answer book, “Hazon Ovadia” — in response to a question if prayers should be said in the synagogue for a Druze IDF soldier who fell in the line of duty.
“A Druze IDF Solider who stood to protect Israel from the enemy, and was killed by an Ishmalite [Arab], and was protecting Israel’s security, it is fitting and proper to pray for his soul in the synagogue, as is appropriate [to pray] for righteous gentiles.”
Jameel adds: Is is our responsibility to honor this policeman’s memory, and express our feelings of gratitude and unity with the Druze community. They are fighting with us shoulder to shoulder for the security of Israel — and are putting their lives on the line.